Knife Threat Tonglets Snack Bar

By Angela Gooch on February 17th, 2008

NO KNIFE FLASHING AT SKEGNESS
THREE MONTHS GAOL AFTER SNACK BAR THREAT

Using the steel table knife which was an exhibit in the case, Skegness snack-bar assistant Maurice Pinfold demonstrated to Skegness magistrates on Saturday how a man had threatened to “stick” him on the previous day.

It was alleged that the threat had been made by 41-year-old Owen Canavan Redshaw, of no fixed address, when he ordered tea and a hot-dog for which he had no money to pay. Redshaw, who pleaded not guilty to being in possession of an offensive weapon, was gaoled for three months.

Mr. Pinfold, of 211, Roman Bank, Skegness, said that he first saw the accused man when working behind the counter of Mr. Tonglet’s snack bar in High Street at 4.50 p.m. on Friday.

Redshaw stood in the doorway talking to some men and waving his hands about. He later came up to the counter and after asking what was available ordered a cup of tea and a hot dog.
He was served and told that the cost was 1s. 4d.

“He started feeling in his pockets and then went across to a man on the seat trying to tap him for money.
” I said, ‘ Pack that game up in here.’ He came across to the counter and pulled the knife out from somewhere and pointed it across at me. He said, ‘ I’ll stick this in you.’”

REFUSED MONEY
Witness of the incident was George William Lillyman, a security officer at a local holiday camp, whose home is at 30, Beresford Avenue, Skegness. Mr. Lillyman said that Redshaw had previously asked him for money. When refused he became abusive. “Seeing the condition he was in I followed him into the milk bar,” said Mr. Lillyman.

When served with the tea and the hot dog he told Mr. Pinfold, “I’ve got no money to pay for it. You can do as you like about it. Who are you?”
Mr. Pinfold replied, “I want the money please.” Redshaw replied, ” You’ll get money” and pulled a knife out of his right-hand overcoat pocket.

“He made a plunge over the counter towards Mr. Pinfold and said, ”I’ll stick you you —.’ I shouted to him and told him to put the knife away. He turned to me and said, ‘ What’s the matter with you. I told him to put it away but he still kept it in his hand. I could see there was trouble brewing so I contacted the police.”

“VERY AGGRESSIVE”
P.C. Holmes said that when he arrived at the milk bar Redshaw was talking to the proprietor, Mr. Tonglet. He was very aggressive and kept waving his arms about. He refused to give his name and address and in order to prevent a further breach of the peace was arrested.

Redshaw said: “I never threatened anybody.”
In evidence the accused man said that he had been in possession of 2s. with which to pay for the tea and hot dog. He took the knife from his pocket during the time he was searching for the money, which must have falled from a hole in his pocket.
“I’ve never threatened anybody with a knife in my life. I came down here looking for work. I don’t see why people should have it in for a poor innocent man who has done nothing wrong.

PREVIOUS CONVICTIONS
He was found guilty and it was said that he had a long list of previous convictions including several for larceny, housebreaking and credit by fraud, plus a number of minor ones for drunkenness, assault and wilful damage.
“What, three months for that!” exclaimed Redshaw when the sentence was announced.

The magistrates were Mr. S. W. Hankin and Mrs. Woods.
Said Mr. Hankin: ” The flashing of knives in this town is one thing the court does not intend to tolerate.”

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